In time for Halloween...

ACME Studio has just announced its Dracula pen set commemorating the 100^th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s death. The pen comes in a "coffin" that plays Bach’s “Fugue in ‘D’ Minor” when opened, and the entire set is encased in a Dracula book that includes a bottle of blood-red ink and a red refill. Dracula is a limited edition run of 999 fountain pens; the set includes an interchangeable rollerball option. 

“We were so thrilled and honored to translate Bram Stoker’s classic tale into a limited edition pen for our collection,” says Adrian Olabuenaga, co-founder of ACME Studio. “Each little detail was so exciting to craft, from the blood-red ink color to the haunting music that plays when the coffin is opened. We wanted to create something that would honor Bram’s memory while adding a touch of fun and spookiness – and just in time for Halloween!” 

The set retails for $500.

For that not-so-fresh feeling...

Not sure if any of you have been following the hilarious aftermath of BIC's launch of its pens "for Her." They've gotten a ton of press of late, so I thought I would give them some attention, too--especially since my lady hands are sorely in need of just such pens after a long summer of barbecuing and other tough stuff. And, frankly, they make me feel pretty. Here are a few choice quotes, thanks to the Huffington Post: 

1. "What's next, ladies attending universities? Pens to encourage literacy in the lower orders?" 
2. "My excitement turned to tears when I realized that they do not come with paper-for-her."
3. "When I saw these I just had to have them, so I asked my Husband to buy them for me. He refused, as he said that owning a pen might make me Think, and then have Ideas of My Own."
4. "What do I do with them?"
5. "I can barely adjust my crotch, I am so angry. Make pens For Him. Strong pens. Manly pens. Pens that dress on the right." 

I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity, but what were you thinking, BIC? Anyway, check out the new and sleek and pastel BIC for Her; batteries not included. 

Colibri launch

From the Colibri Equinox collection

I just got back from a vacation of sorts--visiting my home on the East Coast and enjoying the environs' beautiful beaches. While there, I got a call from my old friend Les Mann, whom I've known for almost 20 years. Our paths have frequently crossed due to our mutual and varied incarnations in the pen business. Time and experience have taught me that Les knows pens, so I was thrilled to learn that he's in charge of the introduction of the new Colibri writing instruments and accessories, including lighters, cigar cutters and cufflinks. I met him at his headquarters in RI, and I got to see the collections "hot off the press." My first impression? The pens and other accouterments are attractive and well packaged, affordable, and varied--with something for the conservative businessperson as well as the more adventurous. Keep an eye on Colibri products...I predict they will find their niche as well-designed and moderately priced accessories and as great gift ideas, too. The new collections will be in your favorite pen, gift, jewelry or smoke shop soon.

Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2012

Faber-Castell's Pen of the Year 2012 combines gold leaf and ancient wetland oak to create an extraordinary limited edition writing instrument. All of the metal fittings are 24-karat  gold plate, and a faceted citrine crowns the cap. The 18-karat bicolor gold nib of the piston-filled fountain pen is available in fine, medium and broad widths.

Wetland oak wood has a deep texture, due in part to the fact that it has been buried for many years in bogs and marshes. In the process of making the pen, gold leaf is carefully applied by hand to each wooden barrel using a squirrel-hair brush. Artist and painter Ernst D. Feldmann, who studied Venetian gilding techniques, is responsible for the unique gilding of the pen wherein layer upon layer of 24-karat gold leaf is applied. Embedded in resin, a unique pattern emerges. 

Each pen comes in a deep black wooden case with a certificate signed by Mr. Feldmann attesting to the 24-karat gold leaf, the 1,700-year-old wood and the limited edition of 1,500 pens. The pen is priced at under $5,000.

Easy writer...

Retro 51 is introducing more Harley Davidson ballpoint pens: Flathead, Stroker, Vintage Rider and two Full Throttles: one in black and orange stripes and one with an antique finish. All priced at under $50, they make great gifts for the biker in your life.

Guest blogger on CrazySexyLife.com

Photo credit: Danielle Civello

Please check out my latest post as a guest blogger today on CrazySexyLife--it's about pens. But then again, it's always about pens!

I never inhaled...

THINK pens is getting its groove on with a brand new collection called Hippie. This limited edition includes 888 each, fountain pens ($275) and rollerballs ($250). The hemp-inspired resin pens are accented with silver vermeil, and the clips are in the shape of a cannabis leaf. The phrase "Absolf*ckinlutely" is highlighted on the matte silver bands. I'm just tellin' you what they told me...

Tie-dyed Hippie pen box